That’s absolutely a massive factor, but China must feel there’s some value in mass surveillance or they wouldn’t do it.
And like, China still has poor people, and people who do try less-ethical means of making money. Scam call centres are still a problem as they’re less traceable, so I still feel there’s some credit in the idea that cameras on the streets keep the streets safer. If you mugged someone for their phone in China, there’s a 0% you won’t be caught, so people don’t even think about it.
Or have a society structured such that most people’s basic needs are met which drastically reduces impulse crime
That’s absolutely a massive factor, but China must feel there’s some value in mass surveillance or they wouldn’t do it.
And like, China still has poor people, and people who do try less-ethical means of making money. Scam call centres are still a problem as they’re less traceable, so I still feel there’s some credit in the idea that cameras on the streets keep the streets safer. If you mugged someone for their phone in China, there’s a 0% you won’t be caught, so people don’t even think about it.